FestrcThe National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has intercepted 184.5kg of cocaine from a courier company in Lagos and arrested two suspects in connection with the consignment.
The NDLEA Chairman, retired Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa, disclosed this on Tuesday during a news conference in Lagos, describing the seizure as the largest cocaine consignment ever intercepted from a courier company in the agency’s history and highlighting the scale of the operation and continued efforts to disrupt international drug trafficking networks operating through Nigeria.
According to him, the consignment was recovered in collaboration with the management of the unnamed logistics company.
One of the suspects, identified as an employee of the courier company, was arrested at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, while allegedly attempting to leave the country.
The NDLEA chairman said a second suspect was also arrested in connection with the seizure as investigations continue into the origin, ownership and intended destination of the cocaine.
Marwa said the seizure further exposed attempts by international drug trafficking networks to use Nigeria as a transit point for illicit substances destined for other countries.
He warned drug barons, traffickers, financiers, distributors and dealers that the agency had intensified operations aimed at identifying and dismantling their networks.
“Wherever you hide, whoever sponsors you and however sophisticated your network may be, the long arm of the law will reach you,” Marwa said.
The NDLEA chairman stressed that the agency would continue to strengthen intelligence gathering and enforcement operations to prevent Nigeria from being exploited as a route for the movement of illicit drugs.
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He said the agency would also sustain its collaboration with other security agencies, government institutions and relevant stakeholders to disrupt drug supply and distribution networks.
Marwa urged Nigerians to support the fight against drug trafficking by providing timely and credible information to law enforcement agencies.
He said information from members of the public remained important in helping security agencies identify individuals and organizations involved in the trafficking, financing and distribution of illicit drugs.
According to him, the agency would continue to pursue drug trafficking networks while ensuring that those involved face the full consequences of the law.
Marwa also commended NDLEA officers involved in the operation for their diligence and professionalism. He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to preventing criminal organizations from using Nigeria as a transit route for illicit drugs and pledged that enforcement operations would be sustained across airports, courier companies, seaports and other strategic points.
The latest seizure adds to the agency’s ongoing efforts to intercept large consignments of illicit drugs and dismantle trafficking networks operating within Nigeria and across international routes.
Investigations into the 184.5kg cocaine seizure are ongoing as the NDLEA works to establish the wider network behind the consignment.
NAN
